Panasonic EVOLTA Finishes the 230km Triathlon in Hawaii

OSAKA, Japan--October 31, 2011: Panasonic Corporation (TOKYO:6752) ("Panasonic") announced today that the EVOLTA Robot finished its toughest challenge yet, the EVOLTA World Challenge IV, at 10:56am on October 30, 2011 (HAST).

The EVOLTA World Challenge IV began at 12:00pm on October 23, 2011 in Hawaii, USA at the Ironman ® Triathlon Course. Three EVOLTA Robots powered by three EVOLTA AA rechargeable batteries took on the 230km triathlon with a goal of finishing within 168 hours.

Results of the Challenge

• EVOLTA Swim Robot finished the 3.8km swim in 5hours and 36 minutes at 5:36pm on October 23.
• EVOLTA Bike Robot finished biking 180.2km in 97 hours and 42 minutes at 7:19pm on October 27.
• EVOLTA Run Robot finished the 42.2km run in 63 hours and 38 minutes at 10:56am on October 30.
• The official result of the 230km triathlon challenge was 166 hours and 56 minutes.

Mr. Tomotaka Takahashi, who is known Internationally as one of Japan's leading creator of robots, the founder of ROBO-GARAGE and a Research Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo, said at the goal ceremony:

"We are happy to have made it to the finish line. I want to thank everyone, every member of the crew and the people of Hawaii. These days, robots are evolving rapidly due to the technological evolution of batteries and various other devices. I believe Panasonic EVOLTA batteries and this challenge have turned a new page in history for the robot industry."

For more information please refer to:

• EVOLTA World Challenge PressKit on Panasonic News Portal
• EVOLTA Official WEBSITE
• EVOLTA Robot's Official Twitter
• EVOLTA Official YouTube Channel
• EVOLTA World Challenge IV Web Album on Picasa
• Previous 53 Stations of Tokaido Challenge on Panasonic News Portal
• EVOLTA World Challenge in 2008 & 2009 Official Site

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (US$105 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York stock exchanges.